Kabir pov
....
I stepped out of my car and onto the sweeping driveway of Rathore Mansion. The grandeur of the estate was imposing, but I wasn't here to admire the architecture. I had a score to settle.
Arjun Rathore's company had just suffered a major setback, and I couldn't resist congratulating him on his misfortune. A sly smile spread across my face as I approached the entrance. The satisfaction of seeing him fail was sweet.
But before I could reach the door, a figure collided with me. We both stumbled backward, regaining our balance.
And that's when I saw her. Cherry. Her eyes wide with shock, blood streaming down her forehead. My heart skipped a beat.
My smile vanished. A surge of adrenaline coursed through my veins as my protective instincts kicked in. Who dared to hurt her? The thought sent a wave of anger through me.
I took a step closer, my eyes scanning her battered face. Cherry's fragile beauty stirred something deep within me. Memories of our past flooded my mind.
"Cherry?" I growled, my voice low and menacing. My gaze locked onto hers, and I saw the fear, the vulnerability. My heart clenched.
No one hurts her, not on my watch. I gently cupped her face, my thumb tracing her jaw. Her skin was warm, delicate.
"Who did this?" I demanded. My voice was low, deadly. I needed to know.
Cherry's lips trembled. Tears welled up in her eyes.
"Tell me," I urged.
But before she could answer, a voice interrupted.
"Aashvi, go to your room!" Arjun bellowed, his face reddening.
Cherry didn't move, her eyes locked onto mine. She stood frozen, defiance etched on her face.
Arjun's anger escalated, his grasp on her burned hand tightening.
"I said, go to your room!" he repeated, his voice dripping with malice.
"Ah!" Cherry cried out, her eyes widening in agony as Arjun's grip intensified.
That was the final straw.
My fist clenched, and I unleashed a powerful punch.
It connected with a sickening crunch, sending Arjun stumbling backward.
"You dare to hurt her?" I snarled, my chest heaving.
Arjun's eyes widened, his nose bleeding.
I turned to Cherry, gently taking her injured hand.
"Who did this?" I demanded.
Cherry's gaze dropped.
She remained silent.
My grip tightened.
"Tell me," I pressed, pulling out my gun.
The room fell silent.
Cherry's eyes widened, fear sparkling.
"Please don't hurt me," she said out of fear.
"I won't harm you, Cherry. But I need the truth."
I cocked the gun.
"Tell me," I repeated.
Cherry's voice trembled.
"Arjun...he did this," Cherry whispered, her voice trembling. "He's been hurting me for months." Her eyes brimmed with tears, and her fragile body shook with fear.
